Golf teaching and playing device



Jan. 30, 1934. R. G. M cDONALD 1,944,942

GOLF TEACHING AND PLAYING'DEVICE Filed March 22, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. 1

' INVENTOE, Foer? 6. Ma cflma (c! ATTQRNEY'S Jan. 30, 1934. R. G. M DONALD I 1,944,942

GOLF TEACHING AND PLAYING DEVICE Filed March 22, 1950 4 Sheets-SheebiZ INVE. NT 0 Q floerf' 6. Macflorza '[tZ ATTORNEYS Jan. 30, 1934. R. G. MacDONALD GOLF TEACHING AND PLA YING DEVICE Filed March 22, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG.

ATTORNEYS.

Jan. 30, 1934. R, G MaCDON'AL 1,944,942

GOLF TEACHING AND PLAYING DEVICE Filed March 22, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 4- INVENTOB Faber i 6. Mac/7077a ZcZ ATTOQNEYE Patented Jan. 30, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 13 Claims.

This invention relates to golf teaching and playing devices, and particularly to a device whereby an individual may be taught the proper position and swing of the golf club in executing strokes or shots with clubs having various characteristics and form used in playing the game.

One object of the present invention is to provide a novel and practical device for guiding a golf club throughout the swing thereof in executing a golf shot, and to enable a player to get the feel of the club in its various positions throughout the swing.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device for guiding the club as it is being swung, and wherein means are also provided for enabling the player to position the club shaft at the proper or desired angle for determining the path or plane traversed by the club.

Another object of' the invention is to provide a device to enable the player to position the club shaft at a proper angle during the major or effective portion of the swing.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the character described, with which an ordinary golf club may be used, and wherein the player has the desired amount of freedom in the handling of the club.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the character described which may be readily adjusted in a manner to adapt it for use in connection with various types of clubs used in playing the game.

A further object ofthe invention is to provide suitable means yieldably mounted with respect to a portion of the club guide for permitting the club shaft to pass through that portion of the guide, thereby enabling the player to follow through and complete the swing.

A still further object of the invention is to improve devices of the character described in sundry details hereinafter referred to, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

One embodiment of the present invention is shown for illustrative purposes in the accompanying drawings in which Fig. l is a perspective view of my improved golf teaching and playing device showing the position assumed by a player with respect thereto, illustrating the cooperation of the device with the club shaft in the hands of the player, and illustrating also the manner of adjusting the device to adapt it for use with various types of clubs;

Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of the guide members or rails embodying features of my invention;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the guides similar to Fig. 1 illustrating the position of a player with respect thereto, and with the club poised in position at the top of the back swing and ready to bring the club through to the ball;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the guide members taken from a position at the opposite side of the device from which Figs. 1 and 3 are taken;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary plan view illustrating, in perspective, the operation of the gate or yielding portion of the guide member provided to permit the club shaft to follow through and complete the swing of the club; and

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the frame employed in adjusting of the device to various positions, thereby adapting it for use with the various types of clubs used in playing the game.

The present invention, as shown in the illustrative embodiment, comprises an outer curved guide member 11 suitably supported on a frame 12 and having a portion 13 adjacent the upper side of the frame suitably supported on the overhead hangers 14 and adapted to be engaged on its upper edge by the shaft of a golf club in a manner to position the club at the top or beginning of the swing as illustrated in Fig. 3. I

The guide member or rail 11, in conjunction with the portion 13, is of substantially spiral formation from the tip or end of the portion 13 to approximately a point indicated at 15 at the left side of the player, and from the point 15 the guide member is provided with a portion 16 extending at an angle to the plane of the spiral and in a direction to intersect the. spirally formed guide at the upper side thereof and adjacent the finish of the club swing.

It will be noted by reference to Fig. 1 that the portion 13 of the guide member is supported independently of the main portion of the hiember 11,

by means of the hangers 14, and at the upper or rear end of the portion 13 is mounted a yielding member 17 shown in the present instance as a gate hingedly connected to the rear and upper end of the portion 13 as indicated at 18, the yielding member or gate 17 when in the position shown in full lines in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4 serving to form a portion of the guide member by spanning the gap between the rear end of the portion 13 and the adjacent end portion of the guide member in a manner to serve as a guide for the shaft of the club as it is swung from the position shown in Fig. 3, through a path of movement while resting on the upper edge of the guide member, past the tee on which the ball is positioned, and the follow through portion of the swing guided by the portion 16 of the guide member back to the gate or yielding portion 17 where it may be brought through the guide member into the interior thereof and again positioned on the portion 13 for repeating the swinging movement. I

It is well known to persons skilled in the art and, familiar with the use of golf clubs that as iii a player follows through" with his swing after striking the ball, the body is turned toward the line of flight and the course of the club continued in an pwardly and rearwardly direction to a positio well to the rear and above the head of the player in such a manner that toward the finish of the swing, the shaft of the club-is approaching a substantially vertical position and is being moved by the action of the player's wrists in a forward direction toward the player from a position at the rear of the player's body, and it will be observed that as the club is approaching the finish of the swing, the shaft of the club will engage the rear or upper face of the yielding member or gate 17 and, by reason of its ability to yield, will permit the club shaft to pass through the guide member in the manner above described.

For returning the yielding member or gate 17 to its normal or guide forming position shown in Figs. 1 to 4 of the drawings, a resilient member such, for example, as a spring 19 may be secured at one of its ends to a hook or eye 20 mounted on the portion 13 and at its opposite end to an arm 21 operatively related to the yielding member 17, and thus return the member to its normal or initial position after the club shaft has passed through to the end or follow through position of the swing.

For determining the angle ofthe club shaft andthe plane of its movement during the swing, an inner rail or guide member 22 is suitably supported on the frame member 12 within the member 11 and position in spaced, and substantially parallel relation with respect thereto throughout a substantial portion of the length of said outer member in a manner to provide a two point contact with the shaft of the club and a support therefor during the effective portion of the swing and throughout a portion of the follow through movement of the club. I

The guide member or rail 22, in the present instance, is shown with one of its end portions 23 connected by means of a bracket 24 to the member 11 adjacent one end of the yielding member 17 when in normal position, while the opposite end portion 25 is deflected away from the parallel relationship with the guide member 22 with the member 11 in a manner to engage and merge into the plane of the member 11 at 26 as clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 4 of the drawings. Thus, it will be observed that by such an arrangement, the present invention not only provides a guide for directing the movement of the club throughout the swing, but also provides two points of contact or support for the shaft of the club in a manner to determine the angle of the shaft during the swing.

If desired, the inner rail' or guide 22 may be.

extended in a manner to parallel the portion 13 of the outer guide 11, thereby providing a two point contact or support for indicating to, the player when the shaft of the club is at a proper angle atthe top of the swing. With such an arrangement, the inner rail or support may be provided adjacent the point where the "follow through movement intersects the guides, with a yielding member or gate similar to the member 1'7; or if desired, portion of the inner rail may be omitted at this point, thereby providing a relatively narrow gap over which the club shaft will be guided by the portion of the outer rail or guide formed by the yielding member or gate 17. Furthermore, if desired, the portion 25 of the inner rail or guide 22 may be continued in its parallel relationship with the outer guide member 11 up to a point adjacent the gate or gap at the rear and upper sides of the guide members.

The position of the guides as shown in Figs. 1 and 3 of the drawings is best adapted for teaching and practicing swings with the wood clubs such as the driver, brassie and spoon.

For adapting the device to theme of irons, the frame 12, in the present instance, is provided adjacent its lower forward side with a cross bar 27 rotatably journalled at its end portions in bearings 28 mounted on a base 29 in a manner to permit of relative movement between the base and guide members supported on the frame 12.

For adjusting the frame in a manner to position the guides and adapt the device to the use of irons such as mid-iron, mid mashie, mashie, etc., the base 9 maybe provided at its rear corners with brackets 30 having top plates 31 vertically spaced from the frame and in which apertures are formed and adapted to receive the frame supporting portions 32. These frame supporting portions 32 may be provided adjacent their lower ends with a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures 33 adapted to receive stop pins 34 above the plate 31 in a manner to support the rear side portion of the frame 12 in desired position. For example, if a'mashie is to be used by the player in practicing, the rear side portion of the frame and track may be elevated to obtain a desired angle for the guides and by inserting the stop pins 34 in the first aperture above the plate 31, the frame and guides may be supported in, desired position, and it will be obvious that other suitable adjustments may be readily made to adapt the device for use with other irons as may be desired.

In the use of the device as illustrated in the drawings, a player may take a position within the guides and frame, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3 of, the drawings and from the position shown in Fig. 3, with the, club at the top of the swing, the club may be brought around through the desired path of movement and carried through 120 to the completion of a full stroke, the gate 17 yielding as above described in a manner to permit the passage of the club shaft in its follow through movement to pass through the plane of the guide member 11 and to a position within 125 the confines of the guide. The inner rail or guide 22, during the swinging movement of the club serves as a second point of contact with the club shaft in a manner to indicate or determine the angle of the shaft during the swinging movemnt of the club. i

It will be observed from the foregoing description, that the present invention contemplates agolf teaching and playing device wherein an ordinary golf club may be used and wherein the player has complete freedom in theuse of the club, in that the club is not in any way attached or connected to the guides of the device, thereby permitting free use of the club unencumbered by any heavy trucks, blocks, or other connecting devices common to apparatus here-- ,tofore used for teaching and practicing golf club swings. I

It will be observed also that thepresent device permits free arm and body movements of' the player in a manner to enable him to execute a complete golf stroke including the follow throug movement of the club, and also pro-- videsa construction and arrangement for supthe shaft of the smear .two pointsof contact in a manner to determine the angle of the club shaft, and its plane of travel throughout a substantial portion of the swing.

Obviously, the present invention is not limited to the precise construction and arrangement shown and described as the same may be various'ly modified. Moreover, all the features of the invention need not be used com'ointly, as

- the same maybe used to advantage in variously said guide .throughouta portion of its length in.

a mannerto form a transverse guide for determining the angle of the golf club shaft when in engagement therewith.

2. "A device of the class describedcomprising a guide adapted to be engaged by the shaft of agolf club, and means associated with said guide throughout a portion of its length in a manner toform a transverse guide for determining the angle of the golf club shaft when in engagement therewith.

3. A device of club as it is'being' swung, and means associated with said guide and cooperable therewith throughout a substantial portion of its length in a manner to form" a transverse guide for determining the angle of the golf club shaft'during the swinging 'movement thereof. i

4. A device of the class described comprising a curved guide adapted to be engaged by the shaft of a golf club, and means associated therewith throughout a substantial portion of its length in a manner to form a transversely disposed guide for determining the angle of the club shaft and its plane of travel when the shaft is'in' engagement with said transversely disposed guide.

5. A device of the-class described comprising a curved guide adaptedto be engaged by the shaft. of a golf club, and means extending-substantially parallel to said guide throughout a substantial portion of its length and cooperable therewith in a manner to form a two point support for the shaft of the club for determining the angle of the club shaft and its plane of travel as it is being swung. v v I 6. A device of the class described comprising a curved guide adapted to surround the body' of a player and to beengaged by the shaft of a golf club in the hands of the player, and a second guide extending substantially parallel to said first /mentioned guide throughout a substantialportion of its length and cooperable therewith in a manner to provide a two point contact for engagingthe shaft ofthe club in a mannerlto' determine the angle of the club shaft and its plane of travel as it is being swung.

7. A device of the class described comprising'a guide adapted to be engaged by the shaft of a golf club for directing the movement of the club;

as it isbeing swung by a player, and means for J determining the angle of the club shaft and its plane of movement 'as'the club is being swung.

'8. A device of the class described comprising, a

curved guide having an upper portion for positioning a golf club at the beginning of its swing, said guide having a substantially spiral formation throughout the greaterportion 6f its length and the class described comprising a guide adapted to be engaged by the shaft of a golfterminating in a portion extending at an angle to and in a plane intersecting said spirally formed portion, yielding means positioned in said upper portion for permitting a club shaft to pass through said upper portion at the finish of its swing;

' 9. A device of the class described comprising a curved guide having an upper portion for positioning a golf club at the beginning of its swing, said guide having a substantially spiral formation throughout the greatenportion of its length for guiding the club as it is swung and terminating in a portion extending at an angle to and in a plane intersecting said spirally formed portion adjacent said upper portion, and yielding means guide having a spiral formation throughout a substantial portion of its length and terminating in a portion extending at an angle to said spirally formed portion, and a second guide member associated with said first-mentioned member throughout a substantial portion of its length in a manner to form a transversely disposed guide for determining the angle of the club shaft and its plane of travel. when the shaft is in engagement with said guide members.

11'. A device of the class described comprising a guide member having a portion for positioning a golf clubat the-beginning of itsswine, said guide having a substantially spiral formation throughout a substantial portion of its length and terminating in a portion extending at an angle to and in a plane intersecting said spirally formed portion, anda second guidemember extending substantially parallel to said first mentioned guide member throughouta greater portion of its length and cooperable therewith in a manner to form a two point support on which the shaft of a club may rest for determining the angle of the club shaft and its plane of travel as it is being swung.

12. A device of the class described comprising, a curved guide member having an upper portion for positioning'agolf club at the beginning of its 1 swing, said guide having a. substantially spiral formation'throughout the greater} portion of its length and terminating in a portion extending at -an'angle to and in a plane intersecting said spirally formed portio yielding means posiguidemember at the finish f its swing, and a second guide memberpositio ed within and extending substantially parallel to said firstmentioned guide member throughout a substantial portion of itslength and cooperable therewith in a manner'to provide a two point contact'for'engaging the shaft of the club in a manner to determine the angle of the club shaft and its plane of travel as it is being swung.

13. A device of the classjdescribed comprising a guide member adapted to be engaged by the shaft of a golf club for directing the movement of. the club as it is being swung by a. player, a second guide member for determining the angle ofthe club shaft and its plane of movement of the club in being swung, and means for adjusting the position of said guide members.

' ROBERT G. MACDbNAID. 

